With 29 candidates, Left to provide third alternative

Besides, the Communists are also part of a joint forum comprising the Chhattisgarh Mukti Morcha CMM and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party LSP to field common candidates against the BJP and Congress. Talks are also on to include the Chhattisgarh Vikas Party CVP in this arrangement so as to extend it in all 90 Assembly segments.

While the four-party forum has decided to field its nominees from 49 constituencies, the CMM will field its candidates in seven constituencies, including from Dondilohara from where its state president Janaklal Thakur, a former legislator, would test his electoral fortunes. LSP nominees will contest on 14 seats in Mahasamund, Dhamtari and Bilaspur districts.

Despite Left parties8217; coming closer to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati at the national level, it is yet to reflect in the state where the BSP had already announced the list of its candidates for all 90 seats.

8220;If the present situation continued to prevail, we are confident that parties other than the BJP and Congress would be able to win a sizable number of seats this time and could play a decisive role in a post-poll scenario,8221; said CPI national executive member Chhatranjan Bakshi.